1981-11-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981013 (35)

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Revised 11/15/81 2.04.11 Fish and Wildlife Resources Information A study of the fish and wildlife and their habitats has been completed by Dwight R. Smith of Colorado State University, Fort Collins , Colorado. This study covers the general permit area which will be affected by the Maxwell Mine through the life of the operation. Site specific information and literature are included in Mr. Smith's report. This report is included as Exhibit 13, Fish and Wildlife Information. Rare and endangered species which are found in the area of the Maxwell Mine include the Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagles, and Golden Eagles. The Peregrine Falcon possibly uses the area as spring and fall migration routes. Nearest sitings which have been reported are along Interstate 25 near Trinidad, Colorado, approximately 30 miles east of the mine. Bald Eagles occasionally are seen in the area along the Purgatoire River as they winter in the vicinity of Stonewall , Colorado. Golden Eagles are also seen in the area and are known to nest in the . Lorencito Canyon northwest of Trinidad, Colorado. No significant impact to these rare and endangered species is expected by the disturbance at the Maxwell Mine. The mining operation will not affect water quality in the Purgatoire River and will not remove large trees which these birds commonly use. Minimal disturbance of the surface by the mining operation will not disrupt the available habitat used by these birds. 2.04.12 Prime Farmland Investigation An investigation of the lands which will be disturbed by the Maxwell mining operation has been conducted by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service located in Trinidad, Colorado. This investigation indicates that prime farmland soil is present in the area of the Maxwell Mine but that the short growing season excludes this soil from the prime farmland designation. A letter from Mr. Bill Watson of the Soil Conservation Service is shown in Exhibit 14. 2.04-16